The helicase eiF4A belongs to the eIF4F complex that regulates cap-dependent mRNA translation and represents an emerging target in oncology. An aberrant activity of this complex is observed in many cancers, contributing to resistance to cancer treatments. Together with Dr Stéphan Vagner’s lab at Curie Institute and Dr Caroline Robert’s lab at Gustave Roussy Institute, we disclosed the first structural requirements of flavaglines for the inhibition of eIF4A and their potent activity in several models of chemoristant cancers.